Tuberville optimistic RB Stephens will play in ’12

A significant knee injury that cost Eric Stephens most of his 2011 season shouldn’t -- shouldn’t -- impact the running back’s availability in 2012, head coach Tommy Tuberville said Friday.

Stephens tore the ACL and MCL in his knee during an Oct. 8 game against Texas A&M. Tuberville said during a radio interview yesterday that advances in how doctors treat such injuries should allow Stephens to be ready for the upcoming season. From the Dallas Morning News:

Tuberville said Tech’s team doctors have a new approach to knee injuries and implemented them on Stephens. The doctors’ theory is patients should begin knee rehabilitation work before having surgery so the doctors can see what’s going to heal naturally and where they need to step in and operate to promote healing.

As expected, however, Stephens will be unavailable for spring practice.

At the time of the injury, Stephens was leading the Red Raiders with 570 yards and eight touchdowns in five games. And, despite missing the final seven regular season games, Stephens maintained the top spot in both of those categories.